CT 2025: Will ICC Be Forced to Relocate Champions Trophy Due to PCB Stadium Issues?

Pakistan risks jeopardizing its opportunity to host a marquee ICC event for the first time in 30 years. The Champions Trophy is just 40 days away, and Team India will be playing their matches in Dubai using a hybrid system. Meanwhile, the rest of the teams will compete in three stadiums in Pakistan. However, a recent viral video on Twitter has revealed that the renovations at these stadiums—the main venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—are only halfway complete. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a deadline for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to finish the necessary work. Despite assurances from the PCB that the renovations will be completed by the end of January, the images and videos circulating online paint a troubling picture. The current climate in Pakistan poses challenges for extensive construction, making it difficult to meet the deadline.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared its response, stating that the renovation work on the stadiums will be completed before January 25. Initially, Pakistan was given an early deadline of December 31 to hand over the stadiums for further inspection by the ICC. Later, the deadline was extended to February 2. However, the PCB has since announced that the stadiums will be ready before January 25.

Pakistan is set to host a tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa, and the venues for these matches have been changed from Multan to Lahore and Karachi to allow for more intensive work in Multan. Currently, around 250 workers are diligently working on the renovations. 

As the deadline approaches, rumors have surfaced suggesting that the PCB may not be able to complete the stadiums on time. Some people have been comparing photos online with the PCB's statements, raising concerns about the progress of the work.

As the situation worsens, the ICC has stepped in to assist the PCB by providing a task force, expressing concern over the mounting issues. The ICC has faced significant pressure in recent months, particularly from India advocating for a venue change. 

With only a month until the tournament, the timeline for handing over the stadiums appears alarmingly short, with much work still to be completed. Suppose Pakistan cannot meet the completion date. In that case, the venue may be changed, and the entire Champions Trophy could be relocated to the UAE, with Sharjah and Abu Dhabi potentially hosting the matches.